One of the most often closed muscle cars is the Chevelle SS 396. The seller makes the case that this is a real deal 1969 SS 396, but it’s missing the original L78 engine which was replaced by a later 402 cubic inch V8. This machine was a project when the seller bought it and nothing much has changed. It was the victim of some really bad bondo work by a prior owner that will have to be part of the fixing up. Located in Sparks, Nevada, this possible roller is available here on eBay where the current bid is $9,800 but the reserve is north of there.
Although Chevrolet would market the Chevelle SS 396 for many years, it was only a series of its own in 1966-68. After that, it reverted to option status, and verifying one usually takes original paperwork. We’re told this Malibu is one of 9,468 L78 Chevelles built in 1969 with the 375 hp version of that motor. It’s unclear if the 402 that came with the car when the seller acquired is actually still there. What makes this confusing is that the seller is sending along some period-correct pieces to build a new engine from. An M20 4-speed manual transmission is along for the ride with a Posi-Traction 12-bolt rear end. But we see no shifter.
According to the cowl tag, this SS 396 was finished in Fathom Green paint and had a black vinyl top when new. Traces of both are gone and someone attempted to repair some issues with the body by the driver’s side quarter panel by putting on some body filler with a spatula. Other than a crack in the dashboard, the black vinyl interior may be okay including the bucket seats, console, and a 6000-rpm redline tachometer which were told only came with the L78 engine.
As for wheels and rubber, this Chevy is wearing a set of slotted mags, but the seller is throwing in a full set of Rally Sport wheels. The indicated mileage is 69,000 and the seller believes this is correct given the number of original bits and pieces that are still on the car. When you carry it away, you will only get a Georgia Bill of Sale which is how the seller got it, although we’re told that a check with the local PD indicates the car should qualify for a bonded title. Remember, the car is near Reno, Nevada.
That was a rough 69,000, I’d say probably more like 169,000. Price right now is the max I’d give with it in non running condition. At this point, mileage is irrelevant since you would be replacing the drivetrain and suspension with new anyway. It’ll probably bring $15 g or more, then you’ll have to put that much again or more into it to get it right. Or you could just go pay $30-40g and get one finished.
Dammit son, Bondo (TM) is not body shop in a can!
After bonds fell off look weld line quoter been replaced so far it looks like it was hit. Parts car.
Okay, it’s stuff like this that is ridiculous. It’s a piece of junk. Sorry if I offend, but anyone who would pay more than a thousand dollars for it deserves it. This madness with prices needs to stop.
That’s not an accurate reflection of the market and can devalue this listing in the eyes of prospective buyers. The tach alone is almost worth $1,000, your presumption about the value of this rare Chevelle, missing original block notwithstanding, is wholly incorrect.
I agree that things have gotten out of hand, but it is where we are at. By the way, the 12 bolt rear’s are going for over $2k alone. The $1000 collector car is long, long gone.
Just another Chevelle missing its original engine which is where the value would have been in this car.
Honestly, in the year 2023, people are still trying to value rare muscle cars at 80s And 90s prices! With all due respect, what time warp is this logic derived from? Please justify to everyone on this forum your logic based on hard driven data, sales, and cost rythems, to justify your opinion! The 69 Chevelle is a highly sought after by collectors regardless SS or not! The data for this can be located anywhere you look on the web, and the value is presented directly through the current bids for the chevelle listed above! So please instead of crying about prices or running down a fellow muscle car owner, just remember, you would want every dollar the market would support, if you were the seller also! Take care.
Gotta love it when guys who probably haven’t bought a collector car in 30+ years, if at all, trash a car over its price. Yes, I think it’s expensive for the condition. Yes, I think it’s ridiculous. But, the reality is, even without its original engine, if it’s a documented L78 car, it’s worth a considerable amount of money, whether or not I”m willing to pay it.
@Bama – I strongly advise you to buy every restored 1969 L78 Chevelle you can find for $30-$40K. Cash in the 401k, sell your life insurance, mortgage the house, and spend the kid’s college fund. You won’t regret it.
Amen CCFisher they don’t have a clew not !what a fully! Restored 69 CHEVELLE 396 IS going for today!
Seems to be a pretty neat old car, but the tach being the only proof of it being a 375 horse car? Sorry, not today. Probably is what they say, BUT a 60 to 80 thousand dollar restoration (yes that is what it will cost to do it and do it halfway right) with no more proof than that? It IS an SS, but no proof of drivetrain and there is a big difference in the price of an L34 car and an L78 car. With legit proof of it’s heritage, then you’re talking. Now that I think about it, that is what it would cost to do an L34 car also, so………………. Neat car, probably worth 15 or maybe even 20. Hey, they are getting scarce. No slam, but I would hate to see the one you could do for 15. Shucks, the drivetrain would be that much.
JuNK